Collection: Edwin Long

Edwin Longsden Long (1829–1891) was an English painter born in Bath and who died in London-Hampstead. He worked primarily as a genre, history, biblical, and portrait painter. Long later developed a strong focus on Orientalist subjects, a style for which he became particularly recognized. His artistic training and early career established him within the academic tradition of painting.

Long's artistic practice evolved to include large-scale Orientalist paintings, which often commanded high prices. His travels significantly influenced his subject matter; he visited Spain in 1857 with John Phillip, and later explored Egypt and Syria in 1874, which deepened his engagement with Orientalist themes. The Babylonian Marriage Market (1875), a work over three meters wide, exemplifies his approach to these subjects. Another work, Bravo el Toro (1859), resulted from his Spanish travels.

By 1883, Long established his own selling gallery in Old Bond Street, London. This venture allowed him direct control over the presentation and sale of his works, reflecting his commercial success and independent standing within the art market of his time.